As we discuss the issue of road safety, it appears that the debate has remained silent on one particular issue -- the use of hand-held cellular phones while driving. Despite our relatively low speed limit, Bermuda's roads are curvy and require drivers' attention and dexterity. A 1997 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that talking on a hand-held phone while driving quadrupled the risk of an accident and was almost as dangerous as being drunk behind the wheel. Consequently, many jurisdictions now require drivers to use a hands-free adapter while driving.

Perhaps it's time for the Road Safety Council to examine the issue.

DOUBTING THOMAS Warwick Story should scare public July 13, 2000 Dear Sir, I was amazed and horrified to read in this morning's Royal Gazette about the treatment of Mr. Donald Stephens at the hands of Bermuda Customs. All Bermudians should have felt a chill run down their spine when they read the story.

We all understand that duty must be paid on imports. But on old postcards? Old postcards of Bermuda depict scenes of enormous historical interest and importance and their return to Bermuda should be encouraged, not penalised. In any event, I doubt if the total duty collected would pay for the gas of Government's 406s, so it's hardly significant to Government revenue. In addition, these postcards must have previously been imported into Bermuda when new and, presumably, duty paid at that time, so why tax them a second time? Why would Customs confiscate Mr. Stephens' computer? Was he going to attempt to leave that in Bermuda also? Hardly likely! Just another example of the tactics employed in this case which should alarm us all. Their aversion to having photographic evidence of their activity is typical of their ilk, and then to confiscate the film! Who do these people think they are? Do they not know the meaning of Civil Servant? Your victory in Court and the recovery of that film must be inevitable. Please then publish every single photograph as a reminder to Bermudians as to what is at stake here.

Finally, and perhaps most frightening of all, we now know that Government has access to all our private e-mails, presumably both business and personal. It's time that questions were asked (and answered) by Government in connection with this outrageous intrusion into private correspondence. It might be you next, Mr. Editor! This Department must be brought under control, and now, before all our personal freedoms are lost.

I suppose it is too much to expect that Mr. Stephens will receive an apology from the Minister of Finance, so I will be sufficiently presumptuous to extend that apology to him on behalf of all the right-thinking and freedom-loving people of Bermuda.

Regrettably, I cannot sign my name for fear of inevitable retribution.

WATCHING CLOSELY Hamilton Parish Repeating past errors July 13, 2000 Dear Sir, When Jamaica went independent its dollar traded at a premium with the US dollar. Now it is worth approximately 2.5 US cents. In the same time frame the Canadian dollar has gone from a five cent premium against the US dollar to approximately 60 cents.

What common thread links this precipitous decline in the two above-mentioned currencies? the answer is bad judgment in formulating economic policies...a prime example being over-regulation. With this a known fact, our Government has nevertheless chosen to go to these same countries for advice on introducing Employment legislation. Ultimately this legislation will be so expensive to administer that the only long-term result will be further unemployment. If our workforce had historically been exploited one might understand the necessity for introduction of such an Employment bill. However, this is certainly not the case, and the vast majority of caring, loyal employers will be saddled with aggravation and expense, without any real tangible benefits for anyone.

Our Government needs to understand that we are a "village'' in the middle of the ocean and that poorly thought out legislation like CURE and the proposed Employment Act will only damage employment opportunities.

Last week I heard about a Tucker's Town home owner who had his passport stamped with instructions to leave the Island within 21 days -- apparently because he arrived with an open air ticket. The next day the newspaper reported on overseas yachtsmen being roughed up, and today's Royal Gazette carries an incredible story concerning Customs. If I understand the thrust of the latter story it appears the authorities have been reading Mr. Stephen's e-mails -- and those of his customers -- which is a scary thought.

If this Government doesn't start to wise up we will be back to a fish and potatoes economy -- but with no land to grow potatoes, no fish to eat and no foreign exchange to buy imported varieties. We won't be worried about whose BMWs or Peugeot are bigger. We will be wondering how to make flip flops out of old car tires (like they do in lots of other impoverished countries in the world).

TAXPAYER City of Hamilton Well done Uncle Sam July 5, 2000 Dear Sir, I had the opportunity to once again enjoy the tremendous 4th of July celebration put on by the American Society of Bermuda. It is, as always, one of the most enjoyable events my family and I attend in Bermuda during the year.

There is so much to be said for this event as I do not recall ever seeing such generosity handed out so -- unconditionally! I understand that over 3,000 people attended this year's celebration from all walks of Bermudian society including Americans, Bermudians both rich and poor, black and white. Every guest, regardless of their background race or colour is welcomed and treated equally. I recognise this generosity as a Bermudian resident and thank you -- unconditionally! But I do appreciate that none would be possible without your generosity in permitting thousands of people the use of your home and certainly none would be possible without the support of the numerous local and exempt companies who help sponsor this wonderful event. You are all deeply thanked by myself and my family, once again -- we recognise your amazing contributions to this Island.

These events simply would not happen without your support and we as Bermudian residents need to acknowledge, remember and appreciate -- THANK YOU! NORMA THOMSON Warwick Tax professionals too July 14, 2000 Dear Sir, Mr. Eugene Cox has indicated that the retail community will have to face overseas competition within the next couple of years.

While he is sitting down with his colleagues, deciding who gets what treatment, he should consider letting in overseas lawyers, accountants, doctors and dentists.

Then maybe the community -- which has been subsidising the lifestyles of our overpaid and undertaxed resident "professionals'' for far too long -- can get a price break.

HELPFUL City of Hamilton Do your civic duty July 12, 2000 Dear Sir, Before anyone even approaches the ballot box in St. George's in October, someone at the Olde Towne really needs to fix the hinge on the door of the ladies' restroom east of the Tourism office.

Everytime anyone enters or exits the premises there is a resounding bang and it's not coming from the cannon nearby. It may seem a minor occurrence to some, but for the unsuspecting visitor it is both unpleasant and unnecessary.

JANE ADAMS Smith's Parish